Topic 1 Flashcards
C
Carbon
O
Oxygen
H
Hydrogen
N
Nitrogen
P
Phosporous
K
Potassium
S
Sulfur
Mg
Magnesium
Ca
Calcium
Protein
large biological molecules, or macromolecules, consisting of one or more chains of amino acid residues. Perform a vast array of functions including catalyzing metabolic reactions, replicating DNA, responding to stimuli, and transporting molecules from one location to another. Proteins differ from one another primarily in their sequence of amino acids.
Enzymes
Only part that contain energy to do work.
Amino Acids
Key Elements: C,H,O,N.
Carbohydrates
Key Elements: C,H,O. Perform numerous roles in living organisms. Polysaccharides serve for the storage of energy (e.g., starch and glycogen), and as structural components (e.g., cellulose in plants and chitin in arthropods). The 5-carbon monosaccharide ribose is an important component of coenzymes (e.g., ATP, FAD, and NAD).
Lipids
A group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K). Main biological functions of lipids include storing energy, signaling, and acting as structural components of cell membranes.
Nucleic Acids
Essential for all known forms of life. Include DNA and RNA. Function in encoding, transmitting and expressing genetic information.
Antioxidants
A molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons or hydrogen from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start chain reactions. When the chain reaction occurs in a cell, it can cause damage or death to the cell. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates, and inhibit other oxidation reactions.